Vencer ou Morrer

Some left-wing people would have us, French citizens, think that revolutionaries were saints and that French History began in 1789. This movie reminds us that all was not black and white, and that there were heroes, and bad people and good people, in both camps, royalists and catholics as well as revolutionaries.

I don't know how much of Charette's private history is known to historians so I would call this movie a biopic rather than a documentary. And this movie was first meant for television before making it to the screen, so maybe it will disappoint the cinema viewer. However, I didn't find it without merit and ambition compared to the usual french comedies and societal movies. And I should say that the viewers' rating in France goes far above the critics' rating and the movie was applauded when I went to see it.

So... give it a try and make your own opinion.

Vaincre ou Mourir is a unique and captivating project from Puy du Fou Films, who launched it as their first production with a remarkable low 5 million euro budget and no public money contrary to the totality of the other French cinematographic productions. Despite the lack of press and media attention, it achieved great success, becoming one of the top box office films of the year and amassing over 300,000 admissions. The movie is a powerful retelling of François-Athanase Charette de La Contrie's extraordinary journey during the Vendée War, combining beautiful visuals, a dramatic score, and an emotionally engaging narrative for an immersive experience. Rod Paradot stars as Charette, a figure of great perseverance, as viewers are taken through his struggles and his commitment to his path and convictions. While there is some over-the-top dialogue, Vaincre ou Mourir succeeds in capturing the spirit of history and the resilience of the people of the Vendée region. It was a great success, though unfortunately not all cinema networks were keen to show it, because of the subject of the Vendéen genocide orchestrated by the idols of the French left.

Two potential criticisms of this documentary include the limited number of extras, which requires the camera to use close shots, and the prominence of the voice-over by Charette.

It is worth noting that the filmmakers consulted different historians with varying opinions, rather than just using the title of historian to legitimize the film without taking their perspectives into account.

It may seem ankward from time to time, but this movie tells the story of an army lead by a true hero an army whose destiny is to be beaten, smashed, an army which fate was to lose. I have always been in love with such plots. Plots in the BRAVEHEART scheme but with less budget and such a dedication in terms of production design, care in directing. However this story was produced by LE PUY DU FOU, some producing firm whose DNA, spirit, soul is entirely dedicated to the "ideas" of those warriors of the late 1790's.... So the point of view may be realistic, no doubt, but not that factual, the Revolutionary troops are shown as evil and the Royalists - our heroes - the good guys. Because the good guys here were FOR THE KING; the total contrary to what we could have expected....and that's precisely for this reason that this movie is really worth watching. Remember BRAVEHEART, ROBIN AND MARIAN, Luc Besson's JEANNE D'ARC. It is a shame that this feature was not longer. If you like this war in Vendée, you also can try CHOUANS, from 1988. I would have prefered this awesome film produced by Gaumont, then it could have been impartial and just, but LE PUY DU FOU.... The same as if Poutine produced a film about war in Ukraine; I doubt that the Ukrainians would be shown as victims...But that doesn't mean that the Republican troops in the 1790's did not commit atrocities against civilians and populations.... But from Gaumont production, that would have been more believable.

Vaincre ou Mourir is an incredible piece of art It's got incredible storytelling, a charismatic main lead, amazing shots, breathtaking sets. All with a relatively low budget of 5 million euro.

The movie tells the story of François-Athanase de Charette de la Contrie, a young lieutenant in the French Royal Navy.

As French revolution begins, he quits the navy and returns home. His peace doesn't last long as local peasants ask him to become their leader to rise up against the revolutionary army.

Reluctantly he agrees and promises to return "dead or victorious". Thus begins his journey in the Vendee wars which made him one of the most revered figure in the region.

The film touches on controversial topic, which goes against mainstream narrative in France. It was either attacked or ignored by media but became a huge success nonetheless.

I recommend it to everyone who wants to see the untold story of the Vendee uprising.

I know I have used that before - though I reckon I do like Her Story - more of a pun! Speaking of which - no pun intended of course. I did not know of this man and the story the movie is telling us. Everyone knows about Napoleon and other people (though even with them I doubt many know all the details - movie knowledge aside), but if you are not French (and even then) you will get a "new" story here.

I quite like the setting (time period, clothing/costumes and so forth), the action ... and it is always nice to root for the "little man" (not Napoleon in this case - sorry not sorry). So if you care about history (and his story), you will enjoy this either way. But if you like costume movies in general and don't care much about that ... you still will have a good time ... well you know what I mean ... the inevitable end will come as with every movie (well not literally) ...